Lucknow, February 28, 2024: Times Now Navbharat, the leading Hindi News Channel, hosted its flagship event, Navbharat Navnirman Manch – Uttar Pradesh 2024 in Lucknow today.
Addressing Uttar Pradesh’s recent strides in accelerated growth and its pivotal role in the nation’s progress, prominent leaders, including The Hon’ble Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party Leader and Former CM, Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism, UP, Sandeep Singh, Minister of Education, Ajay Rai, President, UPCC, Baby Rani Maurya (Minister of Women & Child Development, UP), Durga Shankar Mishra, Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, and Haji Kamruddin, MD, Servokon + MSME, among others gathered to discuss imperative State matters.
Speaking at Times Now Navbharat Navnirman Manch – Uttar Pradesh 2024, The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath said “A new Ayodhya is coming up in a new U.P. and a new India. The presence of Lord Ram in Ayodhya after 500 years is a historic moment, and I urge you all to cherish it.
Yogi Adityanath articulated the monumental changes underway in the state, backed by concrete data and the latest ground report. “Uttar Pradesh is on the brink of a historic transformation,” he declared. “With over 10 lakh crore worth of investments pouring into the state, we are witnessing the birth of a new era.”
“Today, as we stand on the precipice of progress, it’s imperative to acknowledge the tangible advancements Uttar Pradesh has made. From the development of our infrastructure to the expansion of our industrial base,” Chief Minister Adityanath said.
Elaborating on the state’s infrastructure overhaul, he stated, “UP now boasts 40% of the nation’s expressways, with plans underway for the completion of the Ganga Expressway by 2024, aligning perfectly with the 2025 Prayagraj Kumbh. Additionally, our state leads in infrastructural development, with the largest rail and air connectivity network, currently managing nine airports and poised to expand to 21, including international airports.”
Discussing recent achievements, Chief Minister Adityanath remarked, “We have operationalized inland waterways and introduced cutting-edge transportation solutions like the Rapid Rail system. After 46 years, the U.P. is going to develop its second industrial city. The Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) will be taking forward Noida’s legacy in Jhansi, spanning over 35–36 thousand acres in its first phase alone.”
Lastly, Chief Minister Adityanath said, “The road ahead may be challenging, but with unwavering determination and visionary leadership, Uttar Pradesh is poised to emerge as a beacon of progress and prosperity, setting new benchmarks for development in the country.”
Speaking at Times Now Navbharat Navnirman Manch – Uttar Pradesh 2024, Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh & President of Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav, emphasized the importance of democracy with the statement, “Save Democracy, Defeat 80; Remove the BJP.” He attacked the ruling BJP for tempting opposition legislators with what he figuratively refers to as Jalebi, Rasgullas, and Gulab Jamuns. Responding to the controversy arising due to his absence from the Ram Mandir inauguration event in Ayodhya, he confirmed his intention to visit the temple while regretting the politicization of the event. He further added, In the dynamic landscape of Uttar Pradesh politics, there’s no time to relax. Success comes to those who work continuously.
Proudly showcasing the achievements of the Samajwadi Party, Yadav praised the development exemplified by Ansal City, lamenting the lack of support from the central government for providing essential infrastructure like expressways. He claimed that the BJP has wrongfully claimed credit for a large number of infrastructure projects actually initiated by his party, such as highways, metros, airports, and power plants. Drawing parallels between mythological narratives and contemporary politics, Yadav invoked the imagery of ‘Samudra Manthan’ to symbolize the ongoing struggle to uphold constitutional values amidst political turmoil. He further said, “religious occasions like the Ram Mandir inauguration should be respected for their sanctity, not exploited for political gain. Participation should be inclusive, devoid of political motives. It’s imperative to uphold democratic values, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance”.
During the panel discussion at Times Now Navbharat Navnirman Manch – Uttar Pradesh 2024, “Ram Leher: 2024 ki Dagar,” perspectives clashed between different party members which included, Waris Pathan- AIMIM National Spokesperson, Sudhanshu Trivedi- BJP, Anurag Bhadouria- Samajwadi Party, Harshvardhan Tripathi- Senior Journalist and CP Rai-Media head of UP Congress. Whilst opposition attacked BJP for politics of religion and engineering defections. BJP spokesman defended the political stance on mandir at the same time detailing economic success. Waris Pathan criticised Samajwadi Party and Congress for alleged collaboration with BJP, condemning BJP’s anti-Muslim stance and questioning it’s governance while highlighting youth unemployment. Sudhanshu Trivedi defended BJP’s economic successes under PM Modi, citing poverty reduction and infrastructure development in UP. Journalist Harshvardhan Tripathi praised UP’s infrastructural growth and airport accessibility. Anurag Bhadouria accused BJP of hypocrisy and corruption. CP Rai of UP Congress criticised BJP for politicising religion and failing to fulfil promises, cautioning against mixing religion with politics. The debate highlighted issues of governance, development, and religious politicisation.
